President Trump participates in USS Gerald R. Ford ceremony

President Trump attended the commissioning of the USS Gerald Ford Saturday morning, the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier.

The technologically advanced warship is also the most expensive, at $13-billion dollars. After 8-years of testing, development and construction, the 1,100-foot ship features:

advanced technology

advanced operational systems

touch-screen navigation display

electromagnetic catapult

advanced arresting gear

a larger flight deck

new automation system

At the commissioning ceremony, President Trump gave remarks, saying the warship symbolizes American strength.

“This ship is the deterrent that keeps us from having to fight in the first place,” the president said, but he stated that if a fight does come, the new ship will allow America to “win, win, win.”

Calling it an “incredible fortress on the sea,” the president thanked everyone that helped build the “very, very powerful warship,” saying “today we salute you.”

The president said the ship has “the best technology and equipment,” and that it’s named after a man that exemplified strength and integrity. Trump also thanked the Navy sailors that will be “fulfilling the duty to this nation” and manning the ship.

“A ship is only as good as the people who sail on it,” Trump said. “America takes pride in you, we love you, we are proud of you. Thank you.”

Trump talked about his funding request for the military, saying the men and women in the armed forces deserve the money, encouraging them to call their congressmen and senator to encourage them to approve the funding, as well as pass healthcare reform.

He said after the commissioning of the new carrier, “with God’s grace” a watch will stand until she’s decommissioned 50-years from now. Trump then officially commissioned the ship, saying, “I hereby place United States ship Gerald R. Ford in commission. May God bless and guide this warship and all who shall sail in her. God bless you. Thank you.”